Miami University*
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS DEPARTMENT
SAN163: Introduction to Computer Concepts &
Programming
SUMMER-III '99 (June/28 - August/6)
Class Time & Place: Monday/Tuesday/Thursday (MTR) 7:30 am - 9:45 am, 105 KRG
INSTRUCTOR : Dr. FAZLI CAN
Office : Kreger 230-H, Phone: 529-5950, e-mail: canf@muohio.edu
Office Hours : MTR 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm, other times by appointment only.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To introduce the basic concepts of computer systems (hardware/software), to develop ability to analyze problems
and to write computer programs to solve them, and to teach the fundamentals of programming using Visual BASIC.
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Introduction to computers, languages, program translation, object code and numbers, algorithm development
and problem solving process, Visual Basic objects and I/O, procedures and modular program design, decisions, repetitions,
arrays, files.
PREREQUISITE
High school algebra and trigonometry (or MTH102).
TEXTBOOK
Schneider, D. I. An introduction to programming using Visual Basic V, 3rd ed. Prentice Hall, Englewood
Cliffs, NJ, 1998.
IMPORTANT DATES
Last day to drop a course without a grade : July 6, Tuesday
Last day to drop a course with a grade of "W" : July 14, Wednesday
Last day to drop a course with a grade of "WP" or "WF" : August 5, Thursday
EXAM DATES
Exam 1 : July 13, Tuesday
Exam 2 : July 27, Tuesday
Final (comprehensive) : Aug. 5, Thursday
GRADING POLICY
Exam 1 : 20 %
Exam 2 : 20 %
Final exam (comprehensive) : 30 %
Assignments : 30 %
------------------------- ----
Total 100 %
Due to U shape (i.e., many students with low grades and many students with high grades) distribution of first exam
grades the following alternative grading policies are introduced as of July 19, 1999.
Alternative Grading Policy No. 1
Exam 1 : 0 %
Exam 2 : 30 %
Final exam (comprehensive) : 40 %
Assignments : 30 %
------------------------- ----
Total 100 %
Alternative Grading Policy No. 2
Exam 1 : 30 %
Exam 2 : 0 %
Final exam (comprehensive) : 40 %
Assignments : 30 %
------------------------- ----
Total 100 %
The weighted grade average will be calculated in three different ways as explained above
and the best of these three grades will be used to determine the letter grade.
Letter grades will be determined according to the following table.
90 - 100 %: A
80 - 89 %: B
70 - 79 %: C
60 - 69 %: D
0 - 59 %: F
GENERAL POLICIES
- You are expected to do your homework assignments alone. Group working will be considered as cheating. You may
discuss your ideas and approaches, but do not walk the line. Group projects will be specified explicitly.
- Your programs will be graded according to their correctness, algorithm design, readability, and neatness of
presentation.
- Your assignments must be turned in on the due dates. No late homework assignment will be accepted. No make-up/extension
can be given for excuses with no proof and no prior notification.
- Homework problems may be graded selectively (like 1 or 2 problems out of 5, however you have to solve all of
them). The weights of individual homeworks may vary.
- If you need to supply written documentation with your assignments provide a neat presentation using a word-processor.
This is a rule and exceptions will be specified explicitly.
- If individual review is needed due to a question on the grade (including exams) this must be no later than
one week after receiving your assignment or exam. This time limit is for consistency in grading.
- Attendance is mandatory. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to catch up in terms of course material
and announcements made in the class.
- It's your responsibility to debug your programs. During my office hours I may give you some suggestions for
debugging and coach you to improve your self confidence on debugging/programming. Before asking my help define
the problem, know what to ask, and don't expect me to debug your programs. I welcome questions, but do not see
me as your tutor. For divisional lab hours please refer to SAS
lab web pages.
OFFICE HOUR POLICIES
Six office hours per week are reserved to help you. In case I am not able to be in my office during any
office hour period, I will announce alternate hours to make up for them. Please do not assume that I am available
to answer your questions any time you may barge into my office. During office hours, you are welcome to stop by
and discuss your questions with me. If you cannot make it during my hours, you are further welcome to contact me
and make an appointment for a more suitable time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Assignment No. 5 typos have been corrected. See Handouts
Folder. See the animated text. (July 26, 1999, 5:35 am).
- See the alternative grading policies for more enthusiasm (July 21, 1999, 7:55 am).
LINKS TO OTHER LOCATIONS
ACM Digital Library
Elements of Style
Click Health Interactive Games
SAN163 Handouts Folder: contains
some class material (assignments, etc.)
Date of last update: August 10, 1999.
Send comments to the author: 
.
* The announcements section may change every day throughout the semester.